Dacula, February 19, 2026
A four-year-old boy in Dacula, Gwinnett County, accidentally shot himself in the hand while playing in his father’s car. The incident occurred outside a Burger King, where the boy discovered his father’s gun in the car console. Although his injuries to the index finger are serious, they have been deemed non-life-threatening. The Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about gun safety and child access to firearms in Georgia.
Dacula
In a solemn reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance, a < b >four-year-old boy in Dacula, Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, accidentally shot himself in the hand on Wednesday morning< /b >. The incident occurred while the child was reportedly playing inside his father’s car, leading to injuries that, while serious, have been described as non-life-threatening. The young boy was promptly transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for medical attention.
Details of the Incident
The event unfolded near the vicinity of 3470 Braselton Highway, outside a Burger King restaurant. According to initial reports, the child was in the vehicle when he discovered his father’s gun. While some reports indicated the gun was found in the glove compartment, Gwinnett County police and the boy’s mother confirmed to Channel 2’s Audrey Washington that the child was playing in the < b >car console< /b > when he retrieved the firearm. The child’s mother recounted that she had taken her son to breakfast at Burger King and was sitting in the car with him when she received a distressing phone call from a neighbor about her dog being struck by a semi-truck. In that moment of distraction, the child gained access to the weapon.
The mother further relayed that her son initially pointed the gun at her, but when it discharged, he < b >struck his own index finger< /b >. Police officials noted that the injury, specifically to the finger, did not involve a bone fracture, and the injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening. The firearm involved in the incident was recovered by authorities, and the vehicle was also taken into possession as part of the ongoing investigation. The child’s father was reportedly at the hospital with his son following the incident.
Investigation and Broader Context
The Gwinnett County Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accidental shooting. As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities had < b >not yet announced whether the father will face any charges< /b > in connection with the incident. The focus remains on understanding how the child obtained the gun.
This incident brings into stark relief the persistent discussions surrounding gun safety and storage, particularly concerning children’s access to firearms. Georgia is among < b >24 states that have not adopted laws requiring guns to be safely stored< /b > to prevent children and other unauthorized individuals from accessing them. Organizations focused on gun violence prevention highlight the gravity of such situations, noting that there have been < b >at least 33 unintentional shootings by children across the country< /b > this year. These national incidents have tragically resulted in 10 deaths and 23 injuries, with Georgia accounting for two of these occurrences.
Historically, Georgia has faced particular challenges in this area, having previously < b >led the rest of the United States in the number of unintentional child shootings< /b >, according to data compiled by Everytown for Gun Safety. Efforts by advocates to push for mandatory secure storage legislation when children are present in the home have, over the years, < b >repeatedly failed to pass in the Georgia Senate< /b >. These events underscore the profound human consequences that ripple from moments of inattention and the broader legislative landscape concerning firearm responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the accidental shooting involving the 4-year-old boy occur?
The accidental shooting involving the 4-year-old boy occurred in Dacula, Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, near the vicinity of 3470 Braselton Highway, outside a Burger King restaurant.
When did the accidental shooting take place?
The accidental shooting took place on Wednesday morning.
What was the child’s injury?
The child shot himself in the index finger, and the injuries were described as non-life-threatening. Police officials noted that the injury did not involve a bone fracture.
Where was the gun found by the child?
The child found his father’s gun while playing in the car console.
Has the father been charged?
As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities had not yet announced whether the father will face any charges in connection with the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Does Georgia have laws requiring safe gun storage to prevent child access?
Georgia is among 24 states that have not adopted laws requiring guns to be safely stored to prevent children and other unauthorized individuals from accessing them.
Key Details of the Incident
| Feature< /th>< /b > < b > | Detail< /th>< /b > |
|---|---|
| Event | Accidental shooting of a 4-year-old boy |
| Location | Dacula, Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta (in father’s car near Braselton Highway, outside a Burger King) |
| Date | Wednesday morning |
| Injury | Shot in the index finger/hand; non-life-threatening, bone intact |
| Weapon Location | Father’s gun found in the car console |
| Police Investigation | Ongoing |
| Charges Filed | None against father as of Wednesday afternoon |
| State-level Context | Georgia is one of 24 states without laws requiring safe gun storage. |
| Nationwide Context | At least 33 unintentional shootings by children nationwide this year; Georgia has previously led the U.S. in such incidents. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rising Violence in Atlanta Sparks Community Concerns
Fatal Domestic Dispute in Atlanta Ruling Justifiable Homicide
Metro Atlanta Commemorates Memorial Day with Events
Police Seek Two Men in Violent Atlanta Robbery
Atlanta Police Seek Public’s Help in Armed Robbery Case
Atlanta Man Arrested After Barricading Himself with Two Bodies
Fire in Atlanta’s Grant Park Neighborhood Displaces Residents
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
